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Five takeaways from Vols' win versus Chattanooga

dan harralson
·2 min read
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Ethan Davis. Tennessee Volunteers versus Chattanooga Mocs at Neyland Stadium on Aug. 31, 2024. Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire
Ethan Davis. Tennessee Volunteers versus Chattanooga Mocs at Neyland Stadium on Aug. 31, 2024. Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

Week 1 of the college football season has concluded. Tennessee (1-0) now enters game week against North Carolina State (0-1) in a matchup to be contested at Bank of America Stadium, home of the NFL's Carolina Panthers.

The Vols were victorious against FCS-opponent Chattanooga, 69-3, in Week 1. Tennessee is now 40-2-2 on the field versus the Mocs all time.

69 points were the second-most scored for Tennessee in the modern era since 1937.

Tennessee's margin of victory of 66 points was the most in a season opener since Sept. 25, 1915, defeating Carson-Newman 101-0.

The Vols also improved to 14-2 in nonconference games under fourth-year head coach Josh Heupel.

READ: SEC football power rankings after Week 1

Below are five takeaways from Tennessee's season opening win versus the Mocs at Neyland Stadium.

Tennessee's first time starters

Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire
Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

Seven student-athletes recorded their first start for the Vols against Chattanooga: Wide receiver Chris Brazzell II, linebacker Arion Carter, defensive back Christian Harrison, offensive lineman Lance Heard, tight end Miles Kitselman, defensive back Jermod McCoy and defensive back Jalen McMurray.

Total offensive yards

Tennessee's offense produced 718 yards, tying for the second-most during a single game in school history. The Vols recorded 724 total yards versus Missouri in 2022 under Josh Heupel.

Quarterback Nico Iamaleava

Nico Iamaleava. Tennessee Volunteers versus Chattanooga Mocs at Neyland Stadium on Aug. 31, 2024. Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire
Nico Iamaleava. Tennessee Volunteers versus Chattanooga Mocs at Neyland Stadium on Aug. 31, 2024. Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

Redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava made his first start at Neyland Stadium in Week 1. He opened the contest completing 22-of-28 passing attempts for 314 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions. 314 yards in the first half set a Tennessee school record, previously set by Tyler Bray (313) versus Troy on Nov. 3, 2012.

Vols' defense

Dominic Bailey. Tennessee Volunteers versus Chattanooga Mocs at Neyland Stadium on Aug. 31, 2024. Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire
Dominic Bailey. Tennessee Volunteers versus Chattanooga Mocs at Neyland Stadium on Aug. 31, 2024. Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

Chattanooga became the 18th opponent that Tennessee held under 100 yards rushing during the Josh Heupel era since 2021. The Mocs recorded 74 yards on 35 rushing attempts.

Special teams

Jordan Ross. Tennessee Volunteers versus Chattanooga Mocs at Neyland Stadium on Aug. 31, 2024. Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire
Jordan Ross. Tennessee Volunteers versus Chattanooga Mocs at Neyland Stadium on Aug. 31, 2024. Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

Tennessee also recorded its ninth blocked kick during the Josh Heupel era, including a sixth block punt. Jordan Ross blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Five takeaways from Vols' win versus Chattanooga